Digestive System Medical Terminology

Digestive System Medical Terminology

• The digestive system functions to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.
• Key organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Digestive System Terminology

• Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine.
• Ileum: The last part of the small intestine.
• Jejunum: The middle section of the small intestine.
• Enzyme: An organic catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions.
• Peritoneum: A large serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity, supporting abdominal organs.
• Emesis: Vomiting.

Combining Forms

• Gastr/o: Refers to the stomach.
  • Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach.
• Lingu/o: Refers to the tongue.
• Or/o: Refers to the mouth.
• Enter/o: Refers to the intestines (usually the small intestine).
  • Enteropathy: Disease of the intestines.
• Hepat/o: Refers to the liver.
  • Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver.
• Chol/e, Cholecyst/o: Refers to bile or the gallbladder.
  • Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
• Gingiv/o: Refers to the gums.
• Pancreat/o: Refers to the pancreas.

Suffixes

• -pepsia: Refers to digestion.
  • Dyspepsia: Indigestion or difficulty digesting.
  • Eupepsia: Normal digestion.
• -ectomy: Refers to surgical removal.
  • Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix.
  • Colectomy: Surgical removal of part of the colon.
• -megaly: Refers to enlargement.
  • Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen.
  • Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver.

Prefixes

• Hyper-: Excessive or over.
  • Hyperemesis: Excessive vomiting.
  • Hyperacidity: Excess stomach acid.
• Hypo-: Below normal or deficient.
  • Hypogastric: Below the stomach.
  • Hypoacidity: Below normal stomach acid levels.
• Dys-: Difficult or painful.
  • Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
  • Dyspepsia: Difficult or painful digestion.

Common Digestive Disorders

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux causing esophageal irritation.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Affects the large intestine, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Chronic inflammation of the colon with ulcer formation.
• Crohn's Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease affecting any part of the digestive tract.
• Ascites: Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
• Cholelithiasis: Gallstones in the gallbladder or common bile duct.
• Hemorrhoids: Varicose veins in the rectum.
• Hematemesis: Vomiting blood.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Endoscopy: Procedure using a camera to view the inside of the digestive tract.
• Colonoscopy: Examination of the colon using a scope.
• Barium Swallow: X-ray of the upper digestive tract after swallowing barium.

Medical Terminology Related to the Liver

• Hepat/o: Liver (refers to the liver)
• Hepatopathy: Disease of the liver.
• Hepatotoxicity: Toxicity or poisoning of the liver.
• Cirrhosis: Chronic liver damage leading to liver failure.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin due to elevated bilirubin levels.

Abbreviations

(A table of abbreviations and their full terms is included in the provided text)

Case Study (Patient Profile and History)

• Patient Name: Ahmad
• Age: 51 years
• Occupation: Businessman
• Medical History: 10-year history of heartburn worsening in the last year.
• Chief Complaint: Frequent epigastric pain and heartburn after meals and at bedtime. Regurgitation, but no aspiration.

Case Study (History of Present Illness)

• Ahmad has experienced heartburn for over 10 years, but it worsened over the last year.
• Daily symptoms, including nighttime symptoms, have disrupted sleep and caused fatigue.
• Intermittently taking OTC antacids and PPIs with limited relief.

Case Study (Diagnosis)

• Diagnosis: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Suspected erosive esophagitis (due to acid reflux)
• Further evaluation is needed through an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Case Study (Clinical Course)

• Treatment: Prescription of a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) to reduce stomach acid and allow for esophageal healing. Examples of PPIs include omeprazole.
• Follow-up: Return to the clinic after 4 weeks of PPI therapy for reassessment before a scheduled endoscopy in 7 weeks.

Explore the key medical terminology related to the digestive system. This quiz covers essential organs, their functions, and relevant terms, including common combining forms. Test your knowledge on this critical aspect of human anatomy and physiology.